“Obtain from yourself all that makes complaining useless. No longer implore from others what you yourself can obtain. “

                                                -Andre Gide (1869 - 1951)

                Wow, times flies doesn’t it?  So A LOT has happened since I last wrote, but I will just highlight a few of the very exciting things that have happened in the last month.   

                -We had a great contest against the ISU Bengals down south in my neck of the woods.  The atmosphere in their gym was very warm and welcoming.  They brought us water, and their fans were very respectful of our team.  The entire experience was good for our team even though we didn’t win the game.  We are never satisfied with a loss because we had our chances, but there was nothing to hang our heads about. 

                The pride of our team is knowing that at any time any one of our players can come into the game without a lapse in production.  However, this game one of our freshmen didn’t get into the game, Nichole.  In the locker room coach apologized for not getting her in the game and she said, “That’s ok, I’ll get better guys.”  Who wouldn’t want a teammate like that?  So selfless, caring, and genuine.  That’s what makes me realize how lucky I am to be on this team!

                -After ISU we rushed home for finals week.  Christmas break began early for many of us, leaving us with up to eight days with our families.  The Holidays are always a fun time of year.  College life rushes by, leaving little time for family.  Now a senior, I have matured and come to realize how fortunate I am to have such a supportive and loving family, and I tried to soak up every moment at home.  I made out like a bandit on Christmas morning.  The next day I battled the storms and headed back to Lewiston.

                -We had a nice evening practice the 26th, Coach had to get us ready to play on the 30th versus Whitman College.  Our last preseason game was a special night dedicated to our scholarship club members.  We wanted to honor our very generous “extended” family, they do so much for us, I don’t think there is anything we could do to show them how much they mean to us.  They are truly a big key to our success!

                -TONIGHT we opened our conference season at Westminster.  We sprinted out of the gates to a 20+ win on the road.  I may sound cliché but this was a total team effort.  We’re lucky, and I know we are going to do great things.                 

                You never know if this game might be your last, and I wouldn’t want to share this sacred experience with anyone but these 10 women and our coaches.  This is it for four of us.  We have to play every game with urgency and ferocity, without knowing what may happen but that we have each other.  Because ten years down the road the one thing I’m going to remember is the sweat and tears shared with the girls by my side.  What will life be like after this? 

Coach Orr-ism: “It’s a great day to be a Warrior!”